Lia CabreraHi, my name’s Lia, and I’m a theme park-a-holic.
Yep, I’m a huge sucker for theme parks. I mean, who wouldn’t be? The lights, the rides, the crowds, and the excitement in the air—you can’t find these at just any old spot.
Sure, your legs are sore (and your wallet dangerously light) at the end of the day. But by the time you’re in bed, you’ll already be looking forward to your next theme park visit.
So, to help my fellow thrill-seeking locals and tourists, I rounded up the best theme parks in and around San Diego. From marine-themed spaces to fantasy wonderlands, don’t miss these amazing family-friendly destinations!
SeaWorld San Diego
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Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaworldsandiego/
Address: 500 SeaWorld Dr.
Hours: Mon – Wed: 10 AM – 7 PM
Thurs – Sat: 9 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Contact: +1 619-222-4732
SeaWorld San Diego really brings the “wow” factor, no matter your age. Located in Mission Bay Park, it’s not just about watching sea life but also actually experiencing it!
The little ones would be obsessed with otters or the bright pink flamingos at Flamingo Cove. Others would love Shark Encounter, an underwater tunnel where sharks swim all around you, like a live-action nature documentary.
Now, if you’re looking for rides, we recommend the Arctic Rescue, a family-friendly roller coaster that’s fast, smooth, and themed like an Arctic snowmobile mission. Another fave of ours is the Emperor—a 153-foot tall dive coaster (like falling off a cliff!)!
Time to eat? You can have crispy fried chicken at The Chicken Snack Shack (we highly recommend!), or refreshing frozen treats at Rita’s Italian Ice.
| Pro Tip: There’s nothing worse than standing in line all day. That’s why we always spring for SeaWorld’s Quick Queue Pass—you’ll get express VIP access to the biggest rides and shows, meaning more fun time for you. |
LEGOLAND California Resort
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Website: https://www.legoland.com/california/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legolandcalifornia
Address: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM
Contact: +1 888-690-5346
LEGOLAND California is an amazing theme park where everything is built around those iconic little bricks. Just north of San Diego, it’s perfect for LEGO fans of all ages!
Check out Sea Life Aquarium, with creative LEGO displays mixed into the tanks. Another fave is Dino Valley, where kids can dig up pretend fossils in a giant sand pit or hop on the Coastersaurus—a mini steel roller coaster.
Over in Fun Town, kids get to roleplay as grown-ups; they can drive LEGO cars, put out pretend fires, or steer boats. Honestly, this area is super cute to watch.
If the kiddos need to cool off, head on over to Pirate Shores. It’s a splash-filled zone with water rides and attractions—perfect for hot afternoons.
| Pro Tip: We recommend staying overnight at the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel or the Castle Hotel. Both are decked out with themed rooms (e.g. pirates, ninjas, knights, and more). |
Belmont Park
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Website: https://www.belmontpark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belmontparksd
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +1 858-488-1549
For anyone looking for some classic boardwalk thrills, head to Belmont Park. Sitting right on Mission Beach, this oceanfront fun zone has been around since 1925!
Check out the Gian Dipper, a wooden roller coaster that’s been around since day one. You could also go on the Vertical Plunge, which is true to its name, or the Beach Blaster, which is part swing and part spin.
If you want to hit the waves, we recommend swinging by Mission Beach Rentals at Belmont, where you can grab a surfboard, bodyboard, or beach cruiser. What’s cool is that if you have a Belmont Park ticket, you get 50% off bike rentals.
As for the food scene, you can get casual bites at Belmonty’s Burgers or sushi and views at Cannonball. Other yummy food spots include Draft, Dippin’ Dots, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Dole Whip.
| Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during winter, take a peek at Belmont Park’s festive annual event. Imagine fantastic night lights and seasonal activities—very cozy and cool. |
Sesame Place San Diego
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Website: https://sesameplace.com/san-diego/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sesameplaceca/
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista
Hours: Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 619-943-3566
Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast entirely based on the beloved Sesame Street show. The park spans 17 acres and is thoughtfully designed with inclusive features—in fact, it’s recognized as a Certified Autism Center.
You can choose from the seven Sesame Street-themed dry rides. Or, you could have a blast on the 11 reimagined splash attractions—including a massive 500,000-gallon wave pool (one of the biggest in Southern California).
Don’t miss the daily parade, with music, dancing, and all your favorite characters—you can check out their website for times. There are fun live shows, too, featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more.
Throughout the park, you’ll find character meet-and-greets, so make sure to have your phone ready (and fully charged!).
| Pro Tip: As for dining, check out Dine with Elmo and Friends—a fun buffet meal with dancing and photo ops galore. Another option is Sunny Day Cafe’s Elmo’s Pizza Party, an indoor, air-conditioned spot where you can enjoy salads and specialty pizzas. |
Balboa Park
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Website: https://balboapark.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balboapark/
Address: San Diego
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 619-239-0512
Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo, is a huge 1,200-acre urban park with a cultural theme—all set in beautiful Spanish-style architecture.
Speaking of culture, the spot has 18 museums! Art lovers should go to the San Diego Museum of Art, while dino-heads should visit the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit more than one museum, you should snag a Balboa Park Explorer Pass to save you money and hassle.
Nature lovers aren’t left out either—the park has the Botanical Building and the Japanese Friendship Garden. They also offer trails, gardens, and grassy areas that are perfect for picnics or afternoon strolls.
| Pro Tip: If you’re into live entertainment, check out the lineup at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which houses the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world! |
La Jolla Underwater Park
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Website: https://lajollamom.com/la-jolla-underwater-park/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la-jolla-shores-underwater-park/
Address: 8302 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 619-525-8213
La Jolla Underwater Park is a unique theme park that’s not full of roller coasters or cotton candy—it’s full of crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. It features four habitats: reefs, kelp beds, sand flats, and submarine canyons.
The Ecological Reserve, which stretches from La Jolla Cove to the middle of La Jolla Shores Beach, is where most people go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and exploring sea caves.
Just beyond the Reserve is the Marine Life Refuge, home to two world-famous canyons—La Jolla Canyon and Scripps Canyon. Scientists love to study these canyons, and you can spot Garibaldi fish, rays, and sea turtles.
Plus, you don’t have to be a hardcore diver to enjoy this park. Its gentle entry points and calm conditions make it ideal for beginners and families.
| Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in late summer, keep an eye out for the leopard sharks! Between June and December, hundreds of pregnant females gather in the shallow, warm waters near the Marine Room restaurant. |
Universal Studios Hollywood
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Website: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unistudios/
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Hours: Mon – Wed: 9 AM – 6 PM
Thurs – Fri: 9 AM – 7 PM
Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: +1 800-864-8377
Just a couple of hours from San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park combo, where you’ll step into your favorite films and shows.
If you’re a big Minions fan, try the motion simulator, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, which transforms you into a minion-in-training. You can also ride the Silly Swirly Fun Ride, a whimsical aerial carousel.
First-timers should definitely go on a Studio Tour—a tram ride that takes you behind the scenes of actual movie sets and TV backlots. Along the way, you’ll hit mini-attractions like King Kong: 360, Earthquake: The Big One, and Jaws.
And if you’re feeling hungry, we recommend Three Broomsticks. Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this rustic tavern serves hearty British fare like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and, of course, their famous Butterbeer!
| Pro Tip: Speaking of Harry Potter, don’t miss their famous ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—a fun ride that is part animatronic and part screen-based. |
Knott’s Berry Farm
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Website: https://www.knotts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knottsberryfarm
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sun: 10 AM – 9
Contact: +1 714-220-5200
Less than two hours from San Diego lies Knott’s Berry Farm, a 57-acre park that offers classic Americana vibes. Fun fact: it’s actually one of the most visited theme parks in North America!
The park is divided into four themed areas. Our fave is Ghost Town, which has an Old West feel, complete with live blacksmiths, woodcarvers, and glassblowers. You’ll also catch seasonal cottage craft fairs and old-timey train demos.
If you’re here for the rides, go on Coast Rider, a wild mouse coaster that’ll have you twisting and turning above the park. And for younger kids, Camp Snoop brings Peanut characters to life with gentle rides and meet-and-greets.
Don’t forget to try classic fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Who knows, you might even grab a bucket to go!
| Pro Tip: We recommend riding the Supreme Scream. It’s the tallest drop at the park, shooting you 252 feet into the sky before free-falling back down at lightning speed. |
Six Flags Magic Mountain
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Website: https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixflagsmagicmountain/
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia
Hours: Mon, Sat: 10:30 AM – 8 PM
Tue – Fri, Sun: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 661-255-4100
Nicknamed the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 260-acre powerhouse. What’s cool is that it holds the world record for the most roller coasters in one park—20 and counting!
Where do I start? It has the Twisted Colossus, the longest hybrid coaster that duels with itself, and the Tatsu, the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster on the planet.
You can also go on Full Throttle, a looping coaster that shoots you in the air, or CraZanity, a 17-story swing ride that spins up to a whopping 75 mph!
For families with younger kids, check out Bugs Bunny World, a 6-acre haven with meet-and-greets with classic Looney Tunes characters. The young ones can also ride the bumper cars and play games on the Boardwalk.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to purchase your parking online before you visit, since Six Flags Magic Mountain is cashless at the gate. We recommend the Diamond Pass for the best parking spots and extra perks. |
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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Website: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegozoo
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 619-231-1515
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an awesome safari-themed park and wildlife sanctuary, offering 1,800 acres and 300 species roaming expansive natural habitats.
Your adventure begins at the Safari Depot, the launchpad for safari experiences–from tram rides to up-close animal encounters. Go on the Africa Tram, included in the general admission, which cruises past rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes.
For something more hands-on, try the Wildlife Safari, where you’ll hop in an open-air truck with a guide. Another cool option is the Ultimate Safari, slightly pricey, but imagine a VIP experience, which includes meeting animals up close.
For kids, they offer the Butterfly Jungle Safari—your little ones will walk through an aviary filled with fluttering, colorful butterflies; this is very cute and very Insta-worthy!
| Pro Tip: The park doesn’t require reservations if you have a 1-Day Pass. This means your ticket is good any day for a full year after purchase. |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
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Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldtownsandiegoshp/
Address: San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 PM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 619-220-5422
The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a cultural theme park that has five historic buildings, bringing the 1800s to life without an admission fee!
We love the blacksmith shop, where live reenactments show how tools and horseshoes were made the old-fashioned way. Afterward, you can visit the Seeley Stable and Livery, which houses a collection of vintage carriages, wagons, and buggies.
Train lovers would have a blast at Old Town Model Railroad Depot—a charming spot filled with toy locomotives and a scale model of San Diego. It’s a hit with kids and adults.
As for the grub, there are several Mexican restaurants there, with sunny patios, carne asada, and handmade tortillas, waiting for you!
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of free guided walking tours offered daily at 11 AM and 2 PM. They’re a fun (and budget-friendly) way to hear stories you might miss on your own. |
Gaslamp Quarter
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Website: https://gaslamp.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GaslampQuarter/
Address: San Diego
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (619) 233-5227
If you want San Diego’s version of an adult-friendly, city-style theme park, then pop over to the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a historic neighborhood spanning 16 blocks where the city really cranks up the fun after dark.
By day, the spot is family-friendly—you’ve got access to cool attractions like the Gaslamp Museum and nearby Seaport Village (candy stores and carousels, anyone?). Just a block away, Petco Park’s the place to catch a Padres game with local brews.
Once night hits, the whole district transforms into a wonderland. You can sip mixologist-crafted cocktails with rooftop views, catch a comedy show, or tear it up on the dance floor.
Just remember, parking can be a beast here, especially on weekends. We recommend downloading a parking app to book a space ahead of time.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss big events like Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, an awesome 3-day celebration that starts at the end of February. We also love Sham ROCK, a long-running music and beer Irish festival. |
